The Conways hugged their way around the room; the rest of Dorchester County Dispatch and the responding EMS paramedics also came to the meeting.

“Both of you did a really good job,” said Chief Deputy Sam Richardson. “You (Grooms) kept her (Carol) even keeled, and you (Carol) were strong. We don’t often get the chance to see the good side of things around here. Because of this exchange you are a member of the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office family now.”

As the group discussed the events of that night, Grooms complimented Carol on her performance.

“You were perfect, you did everything I needed you to do. You are a true hero.

“You listened, and that’s what we needed. He’s here and he’s going to stick around for a long time,” Grooms said. “I’m so glad to meet you.”

EMS also congratulated Carol for being “smart” and “very brave.”

“It feels so quick and takes forever at the same time,” said Carol of waiting for the ambulance to arrive.

Grooms took the Conway family on a tour of the Dispatch Center to show them how their call was received and exactly what she did to talk Carol through the situation.

Chief Dep. Richardson said what Grooms did on April 5 is what all of the dispatchers are faced with every day during their shifts.

“[Dispatchers] are the unsung heroes in the Sheriff’s Office,” he said.

Grooms said the 911 call was just as special to her as it was to the Conways.

“After I knew he was OK I was in tears,” she said. “This is why I love my job. If this happens once in the whole time I’m a dispatcher, it’s worth it.”

Grooms has been a dispatcher for 14 years, and has been with DCSO for six years. In all that time, she’s only once met a person she helped, and that case was “less severe,” she said.

“Hopefully you’ll never have to call again,” Grooms told the Conways.

“I’m so glad I got to meet you all.”

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